Heated infant changing pad and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

An infant heating pad involving a lower foam member and upper foam member each dimensioned to support an infant; a cover dimensioned to contain the lower foam member and upper foam member wherein the cover is fabricated of a thermally conductive material; and a heating element positioned between the upper foam member and lower foam member.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a heated infant changing pad configured to keep an infant warm during the diaper changing process.

BACKGROUND

Infants are very sensitive to external stimuli including temperature. Infants are especially sensitive to cold temperatures. During a baby changing process, infants positioned on a table or other rigid surface can experience very cold contact temperatures. For example, laying an infant on a metal, plastic or wood table may subject the infant to a cold surface which is uncomfortable for the infant.

It would be advantageous to develop a heated infant changing pad configured to maintain a comfortable temperature for the infant during the diaper changing process.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, one system involves a lower foam member and upper foam member each dimensioned to support an infant; a cover dimensioned to contain said lower foam member and said upper foam member, said cover fabricated of a thermally conductive material; and a heating element positioned between said upper foam member and said lower foam member.

In one embodiment, a remote control permits a user to manipulate an amount of heat to be generated and radiated through the upper surface of the upper foam pad and cover to the infant positioned thereon.

Other variations, embodiments and features of the present invention will become evident from the following detailed description, drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate various views of an infant changing pad according to the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an end view of the infant heating pad with a cover removed according to the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded side view of the infant changing pad according to the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary heating element for use with the infant heating pad according to the embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a remote control for controlling a heating element according to the embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive feature illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention claimed.

FIGS. 1A-1D and 2 show an infant changing pad 100 comprising broadly a lower foam member 110, upper foam member 120, heating element 130 and cover 140. As shown, the infant changing pad 100 is generally rectangular in shape. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the infant changing pad may take on other shapes as long as the infant changing pad adequately supports the infant. In one embodiment, the upper foam member 110 includes integral outer elevated ridges 115 serving to prevent an infant from rolling off the infant changing pad 100. In one embodiment, the outer elevated ridges 115 are separate articles not integral with the upper foam member 120.

As best seen in FIG. 2, the heating element 130 is positioned between the lower foam member 110 and upper foam member 120. In one embodiment, the heating element 130 is a generally planar insulated heating pad configured to radiate heat based on an input received from remote control 150. The insulated heating pad prevents any inadvertent combustion of the lower foam member 110 and upper foam member 120. The lower foam member 110 and upper form member 120, as well as the outer elevated ridges 115, may comprise quantum foam, polyurethane foam, XPS foam, polystyrene combinations thereof and other suitable manufactured foams.

Cover 140 contains the lower foam member 110, upper foam member 120 and sandwiched heating element 130 as seen in FIG. 3. In one embodiment, the cover 140 is fabricated of polyurethane but it may be fabricated of other thermal conductive materials as well. The cover 140 is intended to protect the upper foam member 120 while permitting the distribution of heat to the infant placed thereon.

In one embodiment, the heat is managed by a remote controller 150 as seen in FIG. 5. As shown, the remote controller 150 has an input button 155 permitting the user to set the heat on warm, low, medium and high as identified by heat indicator 158. An exemplary heating element 130 is shown in FIG. 4.

In one embodiment, the infant changing pad 100 includes a pair of straps 160-1, 160-2 and clip 165 configured to connect the straps 160-1, 160-2 and retain an infant to the infant changing pad 100. FIGS. 1A-1C show the strap 160 clipped and FIG. 1D shows the straps 160-1, 160-2 unclipped. In one embodiment, the straps 160-1, 160-2 are connected to the cover 140 near a lower portion of the lower foam member 110.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to several embodiments, additional variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. An infant heating pad comprising: a lower foam member and upper foam member each dimensioned to support an infant; a cover dimensioned to contain said lower foam member and said upper foam member, said cover fabricated of a thermally conductive material; and a heating element positioned between said upper foam member and lower foam member.
 2. The infant heating pad of claim 1 further comprising a remote control for managing a heat setting of said heating element.
 3. The infant heating pad of claim 1 further comprising a pair of straps and clip configured to retain an infant.
 4. The infant heating pad of claim 3 further comprising a pair of straps and clip configured to retain an infant.
 5. The infant heating pad of claim 1 wherein said cover is fabricated of polyurethane.
 6. The infant heating pad of claim 1 further comprising outer elevated ridges positioned proximate to outer edges of said upper foam member.
 7. The infant heating pad of claim 7 wherein said outer elevated ridges are integral with said upper foam member.
 8. An infant heating pad comprising: a lower foam member and upper foam member each dimensioned to support an infant; outer elevated ridges configured to prevent an infant from rolling off said infant heating pad; a cover dimensioned to contain said lower foam member and said upper foam member, said cover fabricated of a thermally conductive material; and a heating element positioned between said upper foam member and lower foam member.
 9. The infant heating pad of claim 8 further comprising a remote control for managing a heat setting of said heating element.
 10. The infant heating pad of claim 8 further comprising a pair of straps and clip configured to retain an infant.
 11. The infant heating pad of claim 10 further comprising a pair of straps and clip configured to retain an infant.
 12. The infant heating pad of claim 8 wherein said cover is fabricated of polyurethane.
 13. The infant heating pad of claim 8 wherein said outer elevated ridges are positioned proximate to outer edges of said upper foam member.
 14. The infant heating pad of claim 8 wherein said outer elevated ridges are integral with said upper foam member. 